The police in Benue State on Monday arraigned a 25-year-old businessman, Nasiru Haruna, before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a customer of N900,000.

Mr Haruna, who resides in Kadarduwa Village, Dan Bata Local Government Area of Kano State, was charged with fraud.

The prosecutor, Friday Kanshio, told the court that on December 14, the complainant, Florence Amos, reported the case to the Commissioner of Police, Benue command, via a written petition.

He stated that sometime in August the defendant informed the complainant that he was involved in supplying beans in large quantities.

“He lured her into making an upfront payment of N900,000 into his First Bank account (No. 3146470328) for the supply of five bags of white beans,” Mr Kanshio said.

The prosecutor stated that after receiving the money, the defendant absconded to an unknown location.

He said, “However, his phone number was later tracked, leading to his arrest in Kano State. Further investigation revealed that the suspect specialised in defrauding unsuspecting persons in Makurdi and its environs using the pretence of supplying beans in large quantities.”

Mr Kanshio said the defendant fraudulently obtained the money and converted it to his personal use.

He added that the offence contravened Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2008.

The defendant denied the allegation.

The prosecutor informed the court that the investigation into the case was ongoing and requested an adjournment.

The chief magistrate, Regina Alashi, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N900,000 with a surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case until February 11, 2026, for further mention. 

(NAN)